Locking up Sean Doolittle for five years, with options on his first two years of free-agent eligibility to boot, looks like a great deal for the A's while also providing Doolittle with long-term security.

There is a caveat, though - Doolittle's new five-year contract includes incentives for games finished from 2015 to '17. So if the A's continue to use Doolittle as one of several closers or, especially, as the team's primary closer, he'll get a bump in salary, according to sources.

Terms have not been released but Doolittle, 27, is likely to get around $14 million guaranteed over five years, with the deal worth more than $20 million if options for 2019 and '20 are picked up.

In past years, the A's have signed some of their top youngsters in groups, and there are rumblings that they plan to do so again. Oakland has several pre-arbitration players who would appear potential targets for contract extensions, including right-hander Sonny Gray, third baseman Josh Donaldsonand catcher Derek Norris.

"I would love it," Doolittle said of the A's locking up some of their core players. "There are a lot of young guys here who've already played in some really big games, won back-to-back division titles. But (the A's) have to do what makes sense for them; there are a lot of moving parts."

"I haven't heard anything about (an extension), but I love this place," Gray said. "If something did come about, it would be awesome to be here for a long time."

Norris pointed out that he's in a platoon, which might complicate any extension talks, but, he said, "I can see the core guys in here being around for years, it would be nice if they can open up the bank and keep everyone."

Briefly: After the game, former Giants star Barry Bondswas in the batting cage at the Coliseum, working with Astros outfielder Dexter Fowler, who hits with Bonds in the offseason. ... Left-hander Eric O'Flaherty, who is coming back from Tommy John surgery, threw a bullpen session Saturday. Manager Bob Melvinsaid O'Flaherty might be ready to face hitters when the A's return from their next trip.

On deck

Sunday

vs. Astros

1:05 p.m. CSNCA

Peacock (0-1) vs. Chavez (0-0)

Monday

vs. Rangers

7:05 p.m. CSNCA

Darvish (1-0) vs. Straily (1-1)

Tuesday

vs. Rangers

7:05 p.m. CSN+

Martinez (0-0) vs. Milone (0-1)

Leading off

Fancy footwork: Sonny Gray's teammates are getting used to the starter's quick reflexes on the mound. Friday night's back-kick deflection to first baseman Brandon Moss for an out was a first. "He's going to win the Gold Cleat, not the Gold Glove," starter Jesse Chavez joked.